Ozolins, J. 2001. Status of Large Carnivore Conservation in the Baltic States - Action plan for the conservation of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Latvia. T-PVS (2001) 73 addendum 1, 1-18. Strasbourg, Council of Europe. Keywords: 7LV/action plan/CCT/cct_ap/conservation/conservation needs/convention/Eurasian lynx/habitat/habitat fragmentation/harvest/hunting/legislation/lynx/Lynx lynx/management/management plan/measures/monitoring/policy/population size/public awareness/public education/quota/status/strategy/threat/threats Abstract: The plan is elaborated in accordance with The Law on Protection of Species and Habitats (in force since 05.04.2000) and is suggested as a long term strategy for conservation of the lynx in Latvia. It was compiled for the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats meeting on Status of Large Carnivore Conservation in the Baltic States in 2001. Its main objectives are to maintain the current population size for a long term, to avoid any fragmentation of the population, and to ensure a free movement of animals between western and eastern sub-populations in Latvia. The carrying environmental capacity and the natural ecological functions of the species in ecosystems is to be conserved and the public opinion regarding the lynx is to be improved by informing about species ecology, threats to the European populations, and conservation needs. A further objective is to abolish the existing management policy of lynx, focused on safeguarding ungulate populations at higher density, and to implement a quota system for harvesting. A high priority should be given to research activities such as lynx monitoring and population ecology because only strong scientifically based arguments can change the hunters' attitude. A revision of this document, the 'Management plan for Eurasian lynx in Latvia', has been adopted by the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development in 2002. Notes: A revision of this document has been adopted by the Latvian government in 2002, RefID: 4603 Ozolins, J. Status of Large Carnivore Conservation in the Baltic States - Action plan for the conservation of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Latvia. T-PVS (2001) 73 addendum 1, 1-18. 2002. Strasbourg, Council of Europe. Keywords: 7LV/action plan/Lynx lynx/protection/species/habitat/strategy/conservation/ measures/population/status/lynx Abstract: The plan is elaborated in accordance with The Law on Protection of Species and Habitats (in force since 05.04.2000) and is suggested as a long term strategy for conservation of the lynx in Latvia. Nevertheless, all priorities and measures have to be evaluated and updated following trends in population status on a regular basis. Strasbourg, 25 September 2001 T-PVS (2001) 73 [Bern\T-PVS 2001\tpvs73e-ad1_2001.doc] addendum 1 CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS Standing Committee 21st meeting Strasbourg, 26-30 November 2001 __________ Status of Large Carnivore Conservation in the Baltic States Action plan for the conservation of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Latvia Document compiled by Janis Ozolinš The plan is elaborated in frame of the project “Inventories of Species and Habitats, Development of Management Plans and Capacity Building in relation to Approximation of EU Birds and Habitats Directives” financed by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. Ce document ne sera plus distribué en réunion. Prière de vous munir de cet exemplaire. T-PVS (2001) 73 add. 1 - 2 – TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... .3 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... .4 BIOLOGICAL REVIEW .................................................................................................................... 5 1. Species description ........................................................................................................................ 5 1.1. Appearance and body size ...................................................................................................... 5 1.2. Signs in nature ........................................................................................................................ 5 1.3. Habitats................................................................................................................................... 6 1.4. Diet ........................................................................................................................................ 6 1.5. Reproduction .......................................................................................................................... 7 1.6. Population structure ................................................................................................................ 8 1.7. Natural enemies and competitors ............................................................................................. 10 2. Population size and distribution ..................................................................................................... 10 3. Limiting factors ............................................................................................................................. 11 3.1. Hunting ................................................................................................................................... 11 3.2. Habitat fragmentation .............................................................................................................. 12 FORMER STATUS ............................................................................................................................ 12 1. Former legal status of the lynx in Latvia......................................................................................... 12 2. International status ........................................................................................................................ 13 3. Former research ............................................................................................................................ 13 4. Habitat conservation ..................................................................................................................... 14 REQUIRED ACTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 14 1. Broad policy ................................................................................................................................. 14 2. Required legal status ..................................................................................................................... 14 3. Habitat protection and lynx protection within protected areas......................................................... 15 4. Regulations for exploitation ........................................................................................................... 15 5. Minimisation of conflicts with humans........................................................................................... 15 6. International co-operation .............................................................................................................. 16 7. Advisory capacity .......................................................................................................................... 16 8. Research and monitoring................................................................................................................ 17 9. Education and public awareness..................................................................................................... 18 10. Approximated costs for required activities ..................................................................................... 18 - 3 - T-PVS (2001) 73 add. 1 SUMMARY · Population status The lynx has a viable population but is unevenly distributed within the country. According to expert estimate, the current number is approximately 500, however, official statistics show about 700 individuals. The population has increased since early 90s and a stable status, or even a slight decrease, has been recorded for the last three-years period. Presently the lynx is most common in the northern districts, especially near the Estonian and Russian border. The lynx is comparatively rare in the districts along the Lithuanian and Belarussian border. The present isolation between western and eastern sub-populations can be considered as a threat. · Former Legislation Game species. The hunting season is closed from 16th March till 30th September. No quotas exist for hunting bag. The fine for poaching lynx is 100 LVL during hunting season and 200 LVL during the closed season. · Objectives To maintain the current population size. To ensure the spatial continuance of one metapopulation and a free movement of animals between western and eastern sub-populations in Latvia. To maintain the carrying environmental capacity and fairy natural ecological functions of the species in ecosystems. · Priority statement To improve the public opinion regarding the lynx (special target groups are – hunters, foresters, and students) by informing about species ecology, threats to the European populations, conservation needs and ways. · Broad policies To abolish the existing management policy of lynx extermination, which